Portland Community College

Disability employment

PCC is here for students who experience disability and want to learn more about employment opportunities. There are options to practice skills related to interviewing, disclosing, and using accommodation in workplace settings.

This page provides descriptions of resources and connection points. In addition, we also have a disability employment page on our library guide that provides access to the job accommodation network’s interactive widget, as well as books and videos that we hope are helpful.

Workforce Recruitment Program

PCC participates in the Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) each Fall.

What is WRP?

The Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) is an annual event for college students with disabilities that connects public and private sector employers nationwide with post-secondary students. Employers seek to fill both temporary and permanent positions in a variety of fields, using WRP applicants. This program is open to college students with disabilities and recent graduates (enrolled at least half-time). PCC participates each fall.

Students who wish to participate will need to upload their resume – check out these resume writing tips.

Students who experience disability are invited to join us for WRP each Fall.

How to Participate in WRP

Step 1: Be sure you are eligible to participate. You must meet all three of these conditions:

You have an intellectual, severe physical, or psychiatric disability that qualifies you for the federal “Schedule A” hiring authority

You are a US citizen

You are a current full-time, degree-seeking student – OR – a recent graduate
(note: Students who meet the first two criteria, and wish to participate in the Workforce Recruitment Program, but are attending less than full-time due to the impact of disability, should speak with a DS practitioner.)

Step 2: Register at https://wrp.gov/registerstudent.Step 3: Wait for an email notice that you have been approved.Step 4: Continue the process. Upload the following documents by mid-October

(Required) Resume

(Required) College Transcripts

(Optional) Collection of Letters of Recommendation (be sure to scan together as one document)

(Optional) Schedule A Certification letter (available on the WRP website)

Step 5: Wait for an email notice that you have been accepted to participate in the event and then BE PATIENT. PCC will be assigned a recruiter and we can then set up the interview schedule.

Step 6: Watch for an email with phone interview information and make your appointment as quickly as possible. Sessions will be held on the Sylvania Campus.

Step 7: Attend the WRP Interview Preparation Workshop. You will receive a special invitation with event details.

Step 8: Attend your WRP phone interview. Be on time and be prepared!

Resources to Help You be Successful!

Resume Support: Student Employment at each campus is available to help you create or freshen up your resume. George Knox at the Sylvania Center is familiar with the WRP event and can be reached at: 971.722.4475 or by email at gknox@pcc.edu

Additional Connection Points

Career Exploration at PCC

PCC offers Career Exploration Centers where students can connect with both self-service and full-service options. In addition, there is training and coaching to help lay the groundwork for a meaningful career available through PCC Panther Works.

Internships and Certification Exams

Disability Services can serve as a liaison between students and their academic programs when there are questions about access and accommodation in internships, job-site learning opportunities, or certification exams. Please contact us directly for an individualized conversation.

Incight

Incight is a 501(c) 3 non-profit that supports and empowers key life aspects of education, employment, and independence for people with disabilities.

Entry Point!

Entry Point! offers internship opportunities for students with disabilities in science, engineering, mathematics, computer science, and other related fields. Students with disabilities can apply their skills in a real-world setting in competitive summer internships.

Emerging leaders

The Emerging Leaders internship program matches undergraduate and graduate level college students with disabilities with paid summer internships at prominent corporations.

Oregon Employment Services

Tips and Resources

Tips for Disclosure

People who experience disability have a right to request accommodation. When you contact the Human Resource (HR) ADA specialist or other designated person, you can simply say – “I would like to request an accommodation.” and the interactive process should unfold from there.

Employers have the right to request documentation to support the request. You should expect to be able to back up your request with information that can help your employer evaluate the barrier.

When it comes to disclosing your disability, be aware of the following:

It’s your personal choice.

You’re not required to disclose your disability unless you need to request an accommodation.

Employers may only inquire about your ability to perform essential job functions, not inquire about your disability.

If you don’t need an accommodation, you don’t need to disclose, and you can choose not to, if you don’t, you’re not covered under ADA.

Although employers may not inquire about your disability in the hiring process, some applicants find it helpful to share information with the employer – to put the employer at ease.

Workplace Accommodation Costs

The majority of the time, accommodation costs nothing, but when there are costs, they are typically pretty low. Typically, when there are costs for accommodation, they are handled by the employer, though there can be collaborative funding options to explore in partnership with partners such as Vocational Rehabilitation. Read more from the Job Accommodation Network.

Types of Employment

There are many different types of employment status. There may be benefits and drawbacks to consider for each.

Full-time employment – often requires employees to work around 40 hours per week and usually includes benefits that may include vacation, sick, and other leave as well as health care and retirement fund options.

Part-time employment – typically employees work considerably less than 40 hours per week and may include benefits that are pro-rated for amount of time worked.

Job share agreements – allow two or more employees to share one full-time job. For example, two people might agree to each work 20 hours per week and each would receive 50% of the benefits.

Telecommuting – sometimes an employee can work at home for part or all of the work week. This may be reasonable if the essential job duties can be performed at home, direct supervision is not required, and business needs and deadlines can be met.

Temporary employment – sometimes workplaces hire people directly to do work on a temporary basis. Other times, workplaces rely on temporary work agencies, in which case the employee is working for the agency, and is assigned to a variety of companies for short-term assignments. Sometimes these agencies provide benefits.